Somehow, it is already that time of year in which fanbases from around the league passionately debate which superstars of the WNBA are deserving of the prestigious individual accolades that are up for grabs.
In a less-than-shocking revelation, the inevitable A'ja Wilson is one of the leading candidates to take home the Most Valuable Player award come the end of the 2025 campaign. However, Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas are performing at stunning levels in an attempt to make sure that the Las Vegas Aces star cannot retain her crown.
Despite the MVP title being the one award that every player dreams of being honored with, another accolade has established itself as a serious talking point throughout the league — and created a fierce new rivalry as a result.
Veronica Burton is having a banner year
They may not be on the same stratosphere as the dominant names of the WNBA — such as Wilson and Collier — yet, Veronica Burton and Azura Stevens are having sensational seasons in their own right. Both stars have shown incredible progression in their performances on the court and will now lock horns in an enthralling battle to be regarded as the Most Improved Player.
Burton has finally found a home at the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, after struggling to thrive at the Dallas Wings after being selected with the seventh overall pick in 2022, and then swiftly vacating the Connecticut Sun after just one campaign in 2024.
Nevertheless, rookie head coach Natalie Nakase's tactical system has seen the 25-year-old cement herself as one of the most elegant playmakers in the WNBA. During Golden State's recent victory against Dallas, Burton registered 25 points and 13 assists as she helped her colleagues snap a three-game losing streak in a 38-minute masterclass.
This was far from a one-off performance as the Northwestern graduate is averaging 12 points and 5.6 assists per game -- blowing her previous career highs (3.1 points and 1.9 assists) out of the water.
Azura Stevens key in LA Sparks resurgence
Whatever Burton can do, Stevens will suggest she can do better. Another player drafted by Dallas who severely struggled to leave a lasting impression, Azura Stevens, has created momentum in Los Angeles.
It is the 29-year-old's third year wearing the famous purple and gold jersey, and there is no doubt that her performances are now at their highest level. The LA Sparks forward has recorded 14.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, surpassing her current career high tallies (11.5 points and seven rebounds).
One of the biggest compliments that can be bestowed upon Stevens during the 2025 campaign has been her ability to become a sharpshooter from deep. The UConn graduate has shot an efficient 40.9% from three-point range.
Both players have excelled in several areas to create valid arguments to win the Most Improved Player award. However, Burton's performance levels for an expansion team that has captured the imaginations of WNBA fanatics may mean that the star could be the frontrunner for the accolade.